Press Releases

The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation is inviting the public to visit and tour barns at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains in a one-day “Barnstormers” Tour. The self-guided tour will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will feature 10 beautiful and unique barns in the Thurmont and Emmitsburg area of Maryland.

This rare tour of older and outstanding barns includes: Zephyr Hills Log Barn, one of very few log barns left in the area; the Schley-Ramsburg Brick Barn; the Franklin Barn, a superlative barn and the smallest on the tour; Shriver’s Brick Barn, one of the biggest and oldest around; the lightly framed barn at Shriver’s Meats; Shriver’s Patchwork Barn, known for its quilt-like appearance; Bell Hill Farm; the Springfield Barn; FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center Barn, built for the Daughters of Charity in support of St. Joseph's College; and Fitzgerald’s Barn.

The day’s events also include artists at each of the barns, who will be creating paintings that will be sold at the end of the tour as a fundraiser for Barnstormers’ efforts to save the barns of Frederick County. Admission includes the barn tour, the art sale, and reception. The art sale and reception immediately follow the tour, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“The public has never been able to tour most of these barns before,” said Birch Hotz, chairperson of the Barnstormers. “Walking into these barns is like walking into the past. They are valuable beyond measure and we must respect them,” said Hotz.

The self-guided, one-day tour follows scenic country roads around Thurmont and Emmitsburg. Tickets to the event include a brochure with a detailed map and descriptions of the barns. Docents will be at each barn, providing information and escorting people to areas of interest.

Tickets are on sale now for $15 at the Tourism Council of Frederick County, 19 East Church Street, Frederick; Schifferstadt, 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick; the Cozy Restaurant, 105 Frederick Road, Thurmont; the Shamrock Restaurant, 7701 Fitzgerald Road, Thurmont; and the Rebecca Pearl Gallery, 3 East Main Street, Thurmont. Children 16 years and under are free.

Tickets will also be available for sale the day of the event at any of the participating barns. For more information call 301-293-2215.

This family event is a fundraiser to increase awareness of, and inspire a passion for, the barns of Frederick County. The Barnstormers Tour is a special project of the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation.

The Barnstormers Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the event. Anyone interested should call Patrick Alley at 301/ 471-8762.

DECEMBER 25, 2007 – Frederick residents and property owners Clyde and Katherine Finley received a historic plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation (FCLF) for their property on Mountville Road in Adamstown, MD. The house was erected in 1853 and was purchased in 1864 by Adam Kohlenburg for whom Adamstown is named. In 1871 George Kohlenburg, who served for 50 years as Postmaster for the area, purchased the land.

For Katherine Finley, current owner, she is the second generation to own the home in which she grew up. The house is an excellent example of the Italianate style of the 1850’s. Mr. John Allen did research on the home for the FCLF historic plaque application, that if approved, it was a Christmas present for the Finley family.

The FCLF Plaque program recognizes structures, over 100 years old, with either historical and/or architectural merit; this includes structures that have been maintained in their original form or have been returned to their original configuration. Furthermore, any existing alterations and additions to the original structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a vernacular plaque for unusual architectural or historic significance.

The FCLF Plaque program is a wonderful way to preserve our community and its heritage. To learn more about the program visit: www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org or call 301-668-6088 for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100.00 and will be returned if a historic plaque is denied.

FCLF is the largest historic preservation organization in the county and is dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

FREDERICK COUNTY LANDMARKS FOUNDATION
AWARDS 2nd HISTORIC PLAQUE IN BRADDOCK HEIGHTS

JANUARY 15, 2008 – Frederick residents and property owners John Bekier and Rich Bowell, Jr., received a historic plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation (FCLF) for their property on Maryland Avenue in Braddock Heights. The house was erected in 1902 and was established as one of the earliest boarding houses for tourists and vacationers visiting the Braddock’s amusement and recreational parks.

The house is an excellent example of a Victorian cottage that was popular in Braddock Heights in the early 1900’s. The structure has a widow’s walk, wrap around porch and the original carriage house. Frederick Magazine had an article about the home and its renovations in the February 2007 issue. John and Rich enjoy the fabulous western views of Middletown Valley and the mountains beyond.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a vernacular plaque for unusual architectural or historic significance.

FCLF is the largest historic preservation organization in the county and is dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

l-r : FCLF Plaques Committee; Art Dee, Bonnie Dee, Rich Bowell, Jr., John Bekier (owners), Lucille Davis, FCLF Plaques Chairman & Jennifer DiGiovanna, FCLF Plaques Commmittee.

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Derr Fund Now Accepting Grant Applications

The Derr Fund, one of over 400 funds held by The Community Foundation of Frederick County, MD, Inc., is now accepting applications for grant funding for historic preservation and scholarly research in Frederick County. About $5000 is available for grants through this current application process. To request The Derr Fund grant application guidelines, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, 49 South Carroll Street, Frederick, MD 21701 or email fredcolandmarks@aol.com to request a copy by email. Application deadline is January 21, 2008.

The Derr Fund provides funding for historic preservation and scholarly research that directly relates to Frederick County, Maryland. Decisions regarding projects to fund shall be made at the sole discretion of Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Board of Directors.

Preservation includes: Projects and programs that support preservation and protection of historic sites in Frederick County and promote preservation efforts in the county.

Scholarly research includes: Investigation and research of the history of Frederick County and its inhabitants before and after colonial settlements.

The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation endeavors to preserve Frederick County’s natural and historic landmarks. Call 301-668-6088 or visit www.FrederickCountyLandmarksFoundation.org for more information.

FCLF Names Volunteer of the Year: Pat Miller and Presents Lifetime Service Award to Judy Candela

It is a tradition at the Annual Meeting for the Membership of the Frederick County Landmarks to honor one of their own for extraordinary service to the organization. At the 2007 Annual Meeting held November 11, Pat Miller was honored for his exceptional service and generosity to the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum.

In addition, this year a special award was presented to Judy Candela, long-time Director of the Beatty-Cramer House. Ms. Candela was recognized for her many years of dedication, expertise and stewardship of not only Schifferstadt, but, most of all, of the Beatty-Cramer House. From working on restoration of the spring house to researching the history of the property and families who settled there, to guiding archeological digs and shepherding the process of measuring and documenting all aspects of the buildings for submission to the U.S. Archives HABS project, Judy Candela has put her heart and soul into preserving this piece of Frederick history to benefit future generations.

Not only does Pat Miller provide in-depth historical and architectural tours every Sunday, he is always willing to make special arrangements for tours by appointment. He especially enjoys sharing Frederick history with visitors from around the world. Pat Miller also published and donated all proceeds from the sales of a book about Schifferstadt which he wrote. It fills a need at the museum for a book that includes much of the information given on the tours and has had brisk sales.

FCLF is proud to be able to honor these wonderful and valuable individuals, knowing that their examples motivate and inspire others to contribute as enthusiastically and with as much dedication as Pat Miller and Judy Candela.

FCLF is a nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to saving historic and natural sites in Frederick County for more than 30 years. In addition to restoring and operating the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and stabilizing and maintaining the c.1732 Beatty-Cramer House, the organization works with city and county agencies and the public to save Frederick County’s past to benefit our future.

NOVEMBER 2007 – Frederick resident and property owner Dave Kirkwood received a historic plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation (FCLF) for his property on Picnic Woods Road in Middletown, MD. The land was named “The Blooming Month of May” when it was part of a resurvey on “Locust Valley” in 1815 for Jacob Flook. A date on an interior hearth is June 5th 1815. The land included a brick mill and other buildings one of which may have been used as an English or German schoolhouse that Jacob leased for 99years for one cent.

The mill house is log and stone and retains the original floors, plaster and woodwork. The mill was known as the “Phleeger Mill” from 1861 until it burned down in 1920. Its close by neighbor is the Sgt. Lawrence Everhardt house that Everhardt purchased in 1833 and where he remained for the rest of his life.

The FCLF Plaque program recognizes structures, over 100 years old, with either historical and/or architectural merit; this includes structures that have been maintained in t heir original form or have been returned to their original configuration. Furthermore, any existing alterations and additions to the original structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a vernacular plaque for unusual architectural or historic significance.

The FCLF Plaque program is a wonderful way to preserve our community and its heritage. To learn more about the program visit: HYPERLINK "http://www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org" www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org or call 301-668-6088 for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100.00 and will be returned if a historic plaque is denied.

FCLF is t he largest historic preservation organization in the county and is dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

Job Opportunity: Director of Preserve Frederick, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation

Real Estate: Director of Preserve Frederick, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation. Identify significant properties in need of historic preservation; acquire such properties by donation, option to purchase or fee simple purchase; market such properties; secure buyer. FT or PT considered. Send resume to Fredcolandmarks@aol.com.

Acquire at-rise historic building stock. “At risk stricture and Properties” is defined as historic structure or property in substantial neglect and may be targeted for demolition.

Work Location and schedule: This is a salaried position at the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Office in Frederick, Maryland. Due to the nature of the property protection and administrative work, some evening and weekend work may be required.

Reports to: Chair, the Preserve Frederick Committee, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation

Qualifications: We prefer a degree in historic preservation, architectural history, American history, law, business, a related field and at least two years of experience in real estate work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a Maryland real estate broker’s or agent’s license (or ability to obtain within six months of employment) strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds; willingness and ability to travel within Frederick County, Maryland; willingness and ability to work on weekends and/or evenings as needed; and knowledge of computer systems and data and word processing software.

September 2007

Dear Life Members, Members and Others Interested in Preserving Frederick’s Past for the Future:

I must bring a matter of grave concern before you. Despite careful spending and outreach efforts, it appears that FCLF will have only enough funds left to support itself for one more year. This means that unless we, as an entire organization, can develop or find new funding sources, we will be

Oktoberfest merely provides enough funding to barely keep the doors open at Schifferstadt. The rest of the organization needs much more than what it has been taking in. We are hopeful that a new initiative, Preserve Frederick, will provide the funds that we need to reinvigorate the organization.

However, recognizing our responsibilities, the current board will begin thoughtful planning about how to mothball both Beatty Cramer and Schifferstadt so that no damage will come to these most important buildings. It is our hope that the incoming board will successfully develop and find new funding sources or Preserve Frederick will provide sufficient funds to sustain all FCLF projects. Then, this contingency plan will be able to fade into the background as a “just in case” exercise.

I thought it important that you, as members and leaders in the community, know that we are taking this very important, proactive step. There are many components to it and we are seeking legal guidance.

It is my strongest desire that we do not have to use this plan. I welcome your comments, both now and at the annual meeting, to be held at The Evangelical Reform Church of Christ, 15 West Church Street in Frederick at 2:00 PM.

At this meeting we will be electing new board members for the upcoming year. They will take on this momentous task. Please come to this meeting to express your support and to let them know how we can save Frederick County Landmarks Foundation. Watch for details on our website: www.FrederickCountyLandmarksFoundation.org

Sarah Matthews
President
FCLF

PS: If you re interested in running for one of the five Board vacancies; please contact Alan Feinberg at: FEINDESIGN@aol.com or 301-606-6717.

FREDERICK COUNTY LANDMARKS FOUNDATION
AWARDS PLAQUE TO HIDDEN LOG HOUSE ON SOUTH BENTZ STREET

Photo by Edward DiGiovanna
L to R: Jennifer DiGiovanna, Plaque Committee member. Brent Bonfiglio (owner); Lucille Davis, Chairman, FCLF Plaque Committee, and Cookie Larkin, Plaque Committee member.

Recently, Frederick resident and property owner, Brent Bonfiglio received an historic plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation (FCLF) for his house on South Bentz Street. Built in the 1870’s it appears on the Sanborn Map of 1887. The house is one of the original Bentz Town log structures, although that can be observed only from the interior.

By awarding this plaque, FCLF and the Frederick community recognize the historic significance of the property and the careful preservation that has taken place. The FCLF Plaque program recognizes structures, over 100 years old, with either historical and/or architectural merit; this includes structures that have been maintained in their original form or have been returned to their original configuration. Furthermore, any existing alterations and additions to the original structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, those 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a vernacular plaque for unusual architectural or historic significance.

The FCLF Plaque program is a wonderful way to preserve our community and its heritage. To learn more about the program and to download an application form, visit: www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org. The application fee is $100.00. This fee will be returned if the structure is deemed ineligible for a plaque.

For Immediate Release:
September 21, 2007
Contact: Marie Earlington-Crawford
301-663-3883 x3 or 301-432-5781

Octoberfest at Schifferstadt Features 18th Century Demonstrations, Beer, Crafts, Music

Prost! Enjoy Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt, Saturday October 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 21 from Noon to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine.

For nearly 30 years, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation has brought to life this annual celebration of the harvest with delicious authentic German food, live oompah band (Heimat Echo), arts and crafts vendors, heritage garden tours, demonstrations of Colonial-era cooking, blacksmithing, beer-making and other crafts, and, of course, the colorful Biergarten. Again, authentic wurst from Binkert’s in Baltimore, purveyors to the German Embassy, will be availble hot off the open grill.

The museum and shop in the French and Indian War era stone farm house will be open, and filled with many fine gift items.

Sponsors of this years’ event include Frederick County Bank (Gold); Bechtel National, Inc., and PNC Bank (Silver); Sir Speedy Printing and The Frederick News Post (Bronze). Without them, FCLF could not bring you this historical, cultural, educational and FUN event. Admission to Oktoberfest is $3.00 for adults; children under 12 free. The Schifferstadt Architecture Museum is conveniently located off MD Route 15 at 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick Maryland. Tours of the museum are $3.00 for adults; children under 12 free.

Schifferstadt is one of the finest examples of colonial German architecture in America. Owned and operated by Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, the museum and shop are open Thursdays through Sundays noon to 4pm. For further information, call Schifferstadt at 301.663.3885, ext. 3.

FCLF is a nonprofit historic preservation organization saving historic, cultural and natural sites in Frederick County for more than 30 years. In addition to restoring and operating the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and stabilizing and maintaining the c.1732 Beatty-Cramer House, the organization works with city and county agencies and the public to save Frederick County’s past to benefit our future.

Retail: Schifferstadt Architectural Museum Gift Shop Clerk PT Thurs. – Sun. 11:30-4:30 March - December. $10/hour, no benefits. Self-starter, retail experience. Assist with sales, display, ordering, inventory management. Send resumes Fredcolandmarks@aol.com.

Position Description Overview
Assist in display, ordering and sales at small historic museum gift shop. Participate in special events to promote gift shop sales such as Bell and History Days, Beyond the Garden Gates, Living History Days, Oktoberfest, Museums by Candlelight. Assist visitors to view museum video and begin self-guided tours. Maintain cleanliness of gift shop and museum.

Opening
Arrive at 11:30 to turn on lights, check cleanliness and supplies in rest rooms, put banners out front windows.
Get cash box from hiding place. Count and record opening cash on hand.
Prepare museum video for showing.
Put out “open” signs
Closing
Stay until last visitors leave after 4:00.
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and properly locked.
Put out “closed” signs.
Count and record sales information, cash and credit sales.
Prepare bank deposits.
Take bank deposits to bank at least once each week.
Greet customers and visitors.
Assist customers with information about items in gift shop.
Stock, price and display merchandise under supervision of Museum Manager or Director
Account for all merchandise with clear and accurate sales records.
Keep information for gift shop inventory and sales analysis.
Consult with Museum Manager or Director with recommendations on items to order. Place orders authorized by Museum Manager or Director.
Introduce visitors to museum docents for tours and tour information. If no docents are available, provide visitors with self-guided tour information and start video.
Check emails at SchifferstadtAM@aol.com daily; answer/forward as appropriate.
Answer the phone. Take messages; forward messages as appropriate.
Set up special tours; schedule docents to give special tours; keep appropriate records.
Record visitors on daily tally sheets.
Train docents and gift shop assistants in use of credit card machine, daily log book, sales sheets, visitor tally sheets and visitor guest book.
Museum is usually cleaned at the beginning of the season with assistance of volunteers. Gift Shop Clerk must help with this, including placement of displays in gift shop. The Gift Shop Clerk will also vacuum and dust the museum and gift shop before major events and as needed at other times.
Clean restrooms at least once each week.
The Gift Shop Clerk must work with volunteers and Museum Manager or Director to “put the museum and gift shop to bed” for the off season, usually during the week after Museums by Candlelight.

Good “people skills;” ability to make guests comfortable and welcome.
Good “team player” who can work cooperatively with volunteers, board members and other staff.
Self-starter with initiative to see tasks that need to be done to keep gift shop and museum looking inviting.
Reliability, ability to get to work on time, find own substitutes if need arises, carry out tasks or projects according to plan.
Good organizational skills to keep records regarding inventory and sales clear and up-to-date.
Accurately prepare sales receipts and calculate sales totals, including taxes; may use calculator and tax tables.
Use vacuums, brooms and other cleaning equipment to vacuum museum and clean restrooms.
Optional, but appreciated: an “eye” for putting together appealing merchandize displays.

Scheduled work hours: 11:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays approximately April (or late March) to mid-December. Closed Easter and Thanksgiving.

Extra work hours will be requested for special events including Bell and History Days (opening weekend), Beyond the Garden Gates, Oktoberfest, Museums by Candlelight and other special events; and including preparing the gift shop and museum for off season and for new season opening.

Joanne Ivancic, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
301-668-6088 or 301-663-3885
(Note: office and museum are only open part-time; please leave a detailed message.)
fredcolandmarks@aol.com

New Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Website Makes Technical Assistance for Historic Preservation Available to Everyone

After more than a year of work by staff and volunteers, Frederick County Landmarks Foundation recently unveiled its new and much improved website. Extensive information about the restoration, stabilization and renovation work at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, the Beatty-Cramer House and Urbana’s Zion Church, along with information about the history of these locations, illustrates the value of historic preservation and the work of FCLF. See our new site at www.FrederickCountyLandmarksFoundation.org.

FCLF is especially proud of the Technical Assistance Package section which includes information often requested from the organization. “Now we can provide up-to-date information for owners of older properties about tax credits and other incentives for preserving their windows to the past. With direct links to critical resources, it becomes so much easier for those interested in preservation and renovation to find the information they need,” explained Sarah Matthews, FCLF President. “Special thanks go to Sue Fransen who created the original paper from which this section derives; and to FCLF Board Member and long-time preservationist, Bernie Callan for his expert review of the current document,” she continued.

Information about living history events, lesson plans for local history study, recent news about FCLF and its properties, items to order from the Schifferstadt Gift Shop, and a speakers bureau will be available on the site. Kim Roberts of Monocacy Design created the site, partly funded by a Frederick County Tourism TRIPP (Tourism Resources Invested in Promotion & Product Program) Grant.

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2007
Contact: Nancy Geasey, FCLF 301-293-2708
Or Joy Beasley, NPS (301)662-6980 (office) (410)925-8682 (cell)

Special Presentation at Thomas Farm Bank Barn with Frederick County Landmarks Foundation and Monocacy National Battlefield

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation and Monocacy National Battlefield invite the public to join them for a special presentation about the Thomas Farm Bank Barn and Silo Restoration Project on the Monocacy Battlefield on Sunday, September 9 at 3:00 pm. Building on the popularity of the Middletown Valley Barn Tour this summer, Historic Preservation Training Center Exhibit Specialist Mark Andros, and Joy Beasley, Monocacy National Battlefield Cultural Resource Manager, will lecture on site about this multiyear project.

The Thomas Farm Bank Barn is a timber frame barn constructed in the early 20th Century on the limestone foundation of an earlier 19th Century brick forebay barn. Joy Beasley will explain how archeological studies, along with architectural and historical research, have informed National Park Service’s planning for the barn restoration project. Mark Andros will discuss the current phase of the project, which focuses on repair and stabilization of the stone foundation, as well as reconstruction of the forebay wall and reestablishment of the historic door and window configuration, which was removed while the barn was in private ownership. The final phase of the barn rehabilitation -- repair and restoration of the barn and silo roof -- will occur over the following few years.

This presentation should be of particular interest to anyone who owns a barn or cares about proper maintenance and restoration or rehabilitation of older barns, as well as to those interested in this important Monocacy National Battlefield structure, which is not generally accessible to the public. Parking is available on site in the Thomas Farm trail parking lot off Baker Valley Road, with additional parking along the lane leading to the barn.

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2007
Contact: Meg Klackner 301-694-4668/ cell 301-676-7243.

Letitia Klackner Honored with Flowering Quince at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum

A flowering quince will be dedicated by friends and family in honor and memory of Letitia Anne Klackner at 4 P.M. on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Shifferstadt Architectural Museum.

Mrs. Klackner was an avid antique dealer who spent her life in search of historical properties and pieces. She had a special place in her heart for old things no longer in their prime which under her care and attention came back to life. She restored countless 19th century tools, furniture and accessories, as well as several historical homes in Frederick County.

Her love of antiques and volunteering naturally led her to The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation. She particularly enjoyed working as a docent and special events volunteer at The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum.

Mrs. Klackner will be remembered for her wit, wisdom and dedication to the people and places of Frederick County.

FCLF is a nonprofit historic preservation organization saving historic, cultural and natural sites in Frederick County for more than 30 years. In addition to restoring and operating the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and stabilizing and maintaining the c.1732 Beatty-Cramer House, the organization works with city and county agencies and the public to save Frederick County’s past to benefit our future.

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
49 South Carroll Street Frederick, MD 21701

For Immediate Release
Contact: Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director
301-668-6088

On Friday June 16th 2006, The Landon House, located in Urbana at the intersection of 85-80 received a historic plaque from FCLF, which recognizes its historic significance and careful preservation. Bonnie Leins, the Facilities Coordinator of the Maryland Museum of Civil War History and Landon House, and Charles Snowden, an intern from Linganore High School were present to receive the plaque, as well as Bonnie Dee, Carole Larkin and Joanne Ivancic from FCLF.

The FCLF plaque program recognizes structures more than 100 years old with either historical and/or architectural merit. This includes structures that have been maintained in their original form or have been returned to their original configurations. Furthermore, any existing alterations and additions to their structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical, progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a plaque for unusual architectural or historical significance.

The FCLF plaque program is a way to preserve the community and its heritage.

To learn more about the program, www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org or call FCLF at 301-668-6088 for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100. This fee will be returned if the structure is deemed ineligible for a plaque.

FCLF is the largest all-volunteer historic preservation organization in the county and is dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

Burkittsville resident and property owner, Rick Poloway recently received plaques from Frederick County Landmarks Foundation (FCLF) recognizing the historic and/or architectural merit of two buildings in Burkittsville and their careful preservation.

Poloway’s house on Main Street, built in the 1840’s was the vestry for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church during the church’s active service. It also served as a hospital during the Civil War and was visited by President Abraham Lincoln on his travels from Antietam. The exterior has not been altered since those days. Former owners include the Easterday Sisters. Poloway, the current owner, purchased the home recently as he relocated from Baltimore to Burkittsville.

Poloway also owns the one room chapel that served as St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from 1896 to 1935. It also received a plaque. The chapel now serves as an artist’s studio, with the altar and pulpit from its days as a chapel still in place.

The FCLF Plaque program recognizes structures over 100 years old with either historical and/or architectural merit. This includes structures that have been maintained in their original form or have been returned to their original configuration. Any existing alterations and additions to the original structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a vernacular plaque for unusual architectural or historic significance.

The FCLF Plaque program is a wonderful way to preserve our community and its heritage. To learn more about the program visit: www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org. You may also call FCLF 301-668-6088 for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100.00. This fee will be returned if the structure is deemed ineligible for a plaque.

FCLF is an historic preservation organization dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
49 South Carroll Street Frederick, MD 21701

For Immediate Release
Contact: Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director
301-668-6088
photos attached

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Presents Historic Plaque to John Derr House.

On Monday, May 7, 2007, a group of volunteers who worked diligently over the past few years to save the John Derr House gathered at the newly restored former tavern to present a Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Plaque.

The John Derr House, located on Route 26 in Dearbought along the Monocacy River, received a historic plaque from FCLF, which recognizes its historic significance and careful preservation. Owner, David Scott Blackmon received the plaque from Sarah Matthews, president of FCLF. Birch Hotz and Ann Lebherz, founders of FCLF, presented a toast to Blackmon’s dedication and perseverance to this 18 month project. They and others expressed their appreciation of his work to restore and preserve this window to Frederick’s past.

The FCLF plaque program recognizes structures more than 100 years old with either historical and/or architectural merit. This includes structures that have been maintained in their original form or have been returned to their original configurations. Any existing alterations and additions to their structure must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure and appear as a logical, progressive add-on to the original.

For younger structures, 50 to 99 years old, FCLF offers a plaque for unusual architectural or historical significance.

The FCLF plaque program is a way to preserve the community and its heritage. To learn more about the program, visit www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org or call FCLF at 301-668-6088 for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100. This fee will be returned if the structure is deemed ineligible for a plaque.

FCLF is a volunteer historic preservation organization dedicated to saving and preserving Frederick’s natural and historic landmarks for future generations.

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
49 South Carroll Street
Frederick, MD 21701

For Immediate Release
Contact: Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director
301-668-6088

May 10, 2007

The Beatty-Cramer House is sponsoring its 5th Annual Living History Event, Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is $1.00; children 10 years & under are free. Light fare and beverage will be available for purchase. The Beatty-Cramer House, (9010 Liberty Rd.), is located one mile East of Route 194 on Route 26, outside of Frederick, MD.

The two day educational Living History Event encompasses 18th and 19th century demonstrations of trades, skills, and cultures. Visit with encampments of Native Americans, Frontiersmen, Revolutionary & Civil War Medical Doctors, and see a Civil War Soldiers camp. Discover the art of blacksmithing, candle making, 18th century sewing, colonial cooking, period music, and more. Step into the past and experience a unique architectural tour of the c. 1732 Beatty-Cramer House.

The Beatty-Cramer House is owned by Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, a non-profit historical preservation organization that has been saving historic, cultural and natural sites in Frederick County since 1973. For more information call 301-668-6088 or visit Frederick County Landmarks Foundation.

April 11, 2007
Contact: Birch Hotz
301-293-2215

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation Will Offer a Barnstorming Tour on June 23

The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation is inviting the public to visit and tour historic barns of the Middletown Valley on June 23, 2007. Twelve older and unusual barns will be showcased in a one-day “barnstorming” tour to raise awareness of these important pieces of Americana that we are losing from the countryside at an alarming rate.

“Since the last historic sites survey in 1970, Frederick County has lost 324 barns because of changing farming practices and development,” said Birch Hotz, Landmarks committee chairperson. “Barns are so much more than simple farm buildings. They served as gathering places in our earliest communities and our earliest churches. They are a witness to the long history of Frederick County, to everything from slavery, the civil war and emancipation, to dances, weddings, and harvest celebrations. We want to celebrate the barns we have left and remember the ones we’ve lost to age and disaster,” said Hotz.

The tour will raise funds for Landmarks Foundation efforts to increase public awareness, create understanding, and inspire a passion for the older barns of Frederick County and their heritage.

The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historic sites, structures, natural landmarks and communities of Frederick County, Maryland. Established in 1973, the Foundation restored and cares for Frederick’s Schifferstadt House (c. 1756) and the Beatty Cramer House (c. 1732).

For more information call 301-668-6088, email: fredcolandmarks@aol.com, or write to: Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, Inc., 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701. Information about the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation is available on the web at www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org.